UPDATE: Heavy snowfall closes major highways

The provincial government has closed Highway 5 northbound and Highway 1 entirely due to heavy snowfall.

The province says the length of the closure of Highway 1 is unknown at this time, while Highway 5, the Coquihalla, is closed northbound and expected to open fully at 7:30 p.m.

Southbound traffic is allowed through at this time, but the northbound closure was necessary due to multiple spun-out trucks.

“These temporary highway closures are necessary for the safety of the travelling public,” writes the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

“Heavy snowfall in the Southern Interior region has totalled more than 30 centimetres in five hours, and while our maintenance crews are doing everything possible to clear the roads with heavy snow expected until 10 p.m. tonight.”

The ministry reports that it has deployed more than 25 snow plows, graders and other equipment, and will continue to work around the clock to clear the roads for drivers.

Motorists are encouraged to revise travel plans if they are heading north of Hope on Highway 1 or northeast on Highway 5.

Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution or consider alternative plans.

“If you do need to travel on these routes, motorists should use extra caution, increase their following distance and keep a safe distance from snow plows,” adds the ministry.

“The ministry would like to remind motorists that winter tires are mandatory for travel on the Coquihalla and Highway 1 from Oct. 1 to March 31. Winter tires are defined as those labelled with either the Mountain Snowflake symbol or the Mud and Snow (M+S) symbol. Winter tires must be in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 mm.”